Friday, November 28, 2025
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Federal Govt determined to provide maximum facilities to energy consumers: Awais Leghari

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said that the government was determined to provide maximum facilities to energy consumers.

He expressed these views at the launch of the upgraded Helpline 118, which he formally inaugurated.

Leghari said that transparency was being ensured within the Ministry of Energy, adding that self-accountability was impossible “until we expose ourselves to scrutiny.”

“We are committed to implementing the principles of reform within the ministry,” he affirmed.

He added that the new system will highlight shortcomings at every level — “from linemen to senior officials” — and that the responsibility for these mistakes would also have to be assumed by the department.

Awais Leghari said that through this upgraded complaint system, all consumers across the country—regardless of their social or economic background—will be able to register their complaints on a single platform.

He said the service would provide consumers with complete records of each complaint, including its registration details, date, time, and status, enabling full accountability of staff performance.

The minister said the system would positively impact every electricity consumer in the country. He urged the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of power distribution companies to ensure its successful implementation.

He also assured that once the system proves successful, employees of the respective companies will be rewarded “to the maximum extent possible.”

Highlighting the importance of accurate information, Leghari said the ministry relies heavily on DISCOs and data gathering.

“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, efforts are underway to bring improvements across all sectors,” he remarked.

He urged all relevant departments to take ownership of the service to ensure its success, noting that its effective implementation is also a key aspiration of the Prime Minister.

Upgraded Helpline 118 added advanced features including seven regional language options, robotic calling option, line man monitoring system, among other prominent features to provide value services to all its consumers.

RDA installs signboards on mortgage plots, seals illegal building in separate action

By
Asif Jalal
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RAWALPINDI, Nov 28 (APP): The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has installed signboards on mortgage and transfer-deed plots in the University Town Housing Scheme as part of efforts to enhance transparency and prevent unauthorised use of amenity spaces, an RDA spokesman said on Friday.
He said the Land Directorate team, acting on the instructions of Director General Kinza Murtaza, placed signboards on areas designated for public buildings, including schools,  graveyard and Masjid. The initiative aims to improve public awareness regarding the status of mortgaged and transferred plots.
In a separate action, the RDA Enforcement Squad sealed an under-construction building in Bahria Town Phase 8 after detecting illegal construction. The authority has also submitted an application to the Station House Officer Rawat for registration of an FIR against Bahria Town Chief Executive Officer Ali Riaz, building owner Shafqat Ali, and contractor Mushtaq.
The action was taken under the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, and the RDA Building and Zoning Regulations, 2021, after the individuals were found constructing without the mandatory approvals and no-objection certificates.
The spokesman stated that the Director General had instructed the Land Use and Building Control Wing to take firm action against encroachments and illegal residential and commercial activities. She also directed the Building Control Wing to conduct a comprehensive survey of fee structures and documentation required to regularize illegal buildings within RDA-controlled areas.
The operations were carried out under the supervision of Director Land / In-charge Enforcement Ghazanfar Ali Awan, assisted by Assistant Directors Dilshad Ahmad, Abdur Rahman, Muhammad Daud, and Building Surveyor Aamir Mahmood Malik.

Mohsin Naqvi visits FC headquarters, lauds personnel for thwarting Peshawar suicide attack

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar on Friday, paying tribute to the personnel who foiled a suicide attack earlier in the day.
Naqvi laid floral wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered Fateha in honour of the three FC personnel who lost their lives in the operation. He also inspected the attack site and met officers and personnel involved in the swift response.
Chairing an important meeting at the headquarters, the Interior Minister received a detailed briefing on the foiled assault, attributed to extremist elements. He commended the courage and professionalism of the FC personnel for neutralising all three suicide bombers within minutes.
“I salute the sacrifice of the three personnel who embraced martyrdom,” Naqvi said. “Their bravery thwarted the terrorists’ nefarious designs. The martyrs’ families will be cared for like our own. Their sacrifice will not go in vain.”
He added that the personnel had “set an eternal example of valour” by repelling the attackers and praised the force for confronting what he described as “India-sponsored terrorists” with exceptional resolve.
Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Zulfiqar Hameed, FC Commandant Nazir Gaara, and other senior officials were present during the visit.

Court indicts leader of banned religious party in provocative speech case

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday indicted Pir Zaheer-ul-Hassan Shah, the deputy chief of a banned religious party, in a case involving an alleged provocative speech against a senior judicial figure.
Pir Zaheer was brought from jail and presented before the court, where Judge Arshad Javed formally framed charges against him. The accused pleaded not guilty and contended to contest the charges.
At this, the court summoned witnesses to record their statements and adjourned further proceedings until December 2.
The case was registered at Qila Gujjar Singh Police Station in 2024, accusing Zaheer Shah of delivering a provocative speech near Lahore Press Club against a senior judicial personality of that time
The prosecution has already submitted the challan in the case.

Effective legislation, awareness, institutional mechanisms essential for eliminating gender-based violence: Fauzia

By
Asif Jalal
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QUETTA, Nov 28 (APP): Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment, Fauzia Waqar on Friday said that effective legislation, awareness, and institutional mechanisms are essential for eliminating gender-based violence and safeguarding women’s inheritance rights.
She emphasized that harassment is not confined to women alone; it affects all genders and must be addressed through joint efforts.
She expressed these views while speaking to the media at the Regional Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment in Quetta, during activities held under the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Fauzia Waqar said that various activities are being organized as part of the global campaign against gender-based violence.
The Federal Ombudsperson’s office is actively working to eliminate workplace harassment and gender-based violence.
She added that competence is linked to ability and work, not gender, and Pakistan is home to countless talented women.
The Government of Pakistan is taking harassment issues very seriously.
She further stated that the Federal Ombudsperson’s office ensures implementation of relevant laws within federal institutions. The second mandate of the institution includes addressing complaints related to inheritance and property matters in Islamabad.
She noted that the Balochistan High Court is playing an active role in safeguarding women’s inheritance rights; however, the province lacks special legislation on inheritance, and subordinate courts are burdened with a high number of related cases.
Fauzia Waqar highlighted a recent decision in which the Federal Ombudsperson ensured a woman’s right to inheritance after 31 years—an important milestone in protecting women’s rights.
She added that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) would be engaged to integrate topics related to women’s rights, inheritance laws, and human rights into the academic curriculum.
She also urged the Balochistan government to introduce similar reforms at the provincial level to include these essential subjects in the curriculum.

Pakistan hosts international conference on combating migrant smuggling

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating irregular migration as it hosted a major international conference on combating migrant smuggling in Islamabad on Friday.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), brought together representatives from 30 countries — a development hailed by officials as a “significant diplomatic achievement.”
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, addressing delegates, emphasized that Pakistan “stands firmly with the international community in ending illegal migration.” He noted that migrant smuggling is a “global challenge” that requires a coordinated strategy and robust information-sharing mechanisms among nations.
Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to promoting safe and legal migration across the region. He stressed that breaking human-smuggling networks is impossible without strong international cooperation, adding that broad participation in the conference reflects growing global resolve.
International partners praised Pakistan’s efforts to curb human trafficking and migrant smuggling, assuring continued support for its initiatives. The conference also featured discussions on effective counter-smuggling measures and the exchange of best practices.
Ahead of the conference, Chaudhry met Dr. Oliver Stolpe, the UNODC’s Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, to discuss ongoing collaboration and future strategies for tackling transnational organised crime, including human smuggling.

German firm to invest $50 mln in energy, oil refinery project in Hub: Balochistan CM

By
Asif Jalal
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0
QUETTA, Nov 28 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, announced that the province is one of the most suitable regions for investment, describing it as a land rich with opportunities.
He urged both domestic and international companies to prioritize hiring skilled local manpower in their projects to ensure sustainable economic growth.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting in Quetta with a delegation from the AOCH Group of Companies to discuss new investment prospects in Balochistan.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) and the AOCH group of companies.
Under the agreement, German firm AOCH GmbH will establish an energy and oil refinery infrastructure project in Hub, with an estimated investment of USD 50 million.
The MoU was signed by Bilal Khan Kakar, Vice Chairman BBoIT, and Andreas Embrewein, Chairman AOCH GmbH.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Bugti reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to providing a secure and conducive environment for investors. He highlighted vast opportunities in fisheries, tourism, mining and energy.
He noted that these sectors offer lucrative prospects for both national and foreign investors.
The Chief Minister stressed that prioritizing local skilled manpower would support economic growth, create sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen the province’s development infrastructure.

Minister for Quranic education to counter intolerance

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Friday underscored the importance of imparting Quranic education to the younger generation, asserting that intolerance can be eliminated from society by spreading the true message of the Holy Quran.
He expressed these views at a dinner hosted by Senator Talha Mehmood in honour of Qura (reciters) participating in the International Qirat Competition.
Sardar Muhammad Yousuf served as the chief guest at the event.
The minister said the participation of nearly 40 countries in the competition was a significant achievement and a source of pride for Pakistan.
“Organizing this event in the current circumstances is a gift and blessing from Allah,” he remarked.
Sardar Yousuf added that the event was held under the special patronage of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
He further stated that Pakistan’s past victory against India in war was achieved through the blessings of the Quran.
Commending the Religious Affairs Ministry for arranging the International Qirat Competition, the minister noted that the coordination and commitment of all concerned authorities were commendable.
He also praised the efforts of the competition’s chief coordinator, Qari Sadaqar, saying his contributions were highly valuable.
He emphasized that organizing such events at the national level helps foster a positive environment within society.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Talha Mehmood said his entire family is religious, a fact he takes pride in.
The senator highlighted the need to spread the Quran’s true message, saying that the path to every success is derived from it.
Professor Sajjad Qamar also called for promoting the teaching of Qirat and ensuring proper supervision of the discipline.
He emphasized to teach Arabic language at national level.

Protection of life and property top priority: Khawaja Salman

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP): Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that protection of life and property of the people is the top priority of the state.
Presiding over the 44th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order held in the Punjab Home Department on Friday, he said the law and order situation across the province is satisfactory. As per the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab, law enforcement agencies are working round the clock to maintain peace, he added.
Secretary Home Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi and representatives of law enforcement agencies briefed the meeting. Secretary Home Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi informed that all available resources are being utilized to ensure law and order throughout the province.
A detailed review of the law and order situation across Punjab was conducted during the meeting. Director General Price Control also presented the performance report of the department.
The meeting approved the appointment of 97 Special Price Control Magistrates in Lodhran, Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Okara and other districts. Funds were approved for expenses to be incurred by Punjab Police, DC Lahore, DC Rawalpindi and DC Faisalabad during cricket matches.
The committee directed that combing operations and the use of Hotel Eye software be ensured across the province to maintain law and order.
Additional IG Special Branch, DIG CTD and concerned additional secretaries from the Home Department attended the meeting in person, while Commissioners, RPOs, Deputy Commissioners and DPOs from across Punjab participated through video link and gave detailed briefings.

OIC assistant secretary general arrives on one-day official visit

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):Assistant Secretary General and Ambassador of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Tariq Ali Bakhit, on Friday arrived in Pakistan on a one-day official visit.
He was received by Head of the Ministry’s Department of Da’wah and Pilgrimage, Ahmed Nadeem Khan, who welcomed the distinguished guest at the airport.
Bakhit will represent the OIC Secretary General at the prize distribution ceremony of the International Hasan Qira’at Competition, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said.
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